Critical point in brain information processing confirmed using quantum field theory
Scientists at Forschungszentrum Jülich from the Helmholtz Research Field Information have used a commonly used technique from quantum field theory to study how the brain stores and processes information. (Source: Forschungszentrum Jülich – Press releases)
The brain is thought to be active at a critical point between two dynamic phases in order to process information efficiently. At this point, networks of neurons are stable enough to reliably store information, but also sensitive enough to quickly send signals to distant parts of the brain. Prof. Moritz Helias of Forschungszentrum Jülich and his colleagues have now used quantum field theory methods to confirm the existence of these critical points in the Wilson-Cowan model. In this classical model from brain dynamics, a group of neurons is excited by external stimuli or by interactions with their neighbors.
Using a technique called renormalization, the researchers found that both nearby and distant neurons can communicate effectively with each other. At the same time, the ability to store memories is maintained. The study was made possible by using methods known as field theory, with the participation of experts from CASA Simulation and Data Laboratory’s “Numerical Quantum Field Theory” – that is, a methodology commonly applied to quantum mechanical systems. In this study, the successful collaboration between technically very different Topics within the program “Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing” of the current period of Program-oriented Funding (PoF) of the Helmholtz Association becomes clear.
Although there is clear evidence of critical dynamics in the brain, it has been unclear why our brains function in this way. The researchers will therefore continue to expand their new findings in the future.
The original press release can be found at:
Kritischer Punkt in der Informationsverarbeitung des Gehirns mithilfe von Quantenfeldtheorie bestätigt (only in german)
The original publication can be found at (Open Access):
Gell-Mann–Low Criticality in Neural Networks, Lorenzo Tiberi, Jonas Stapmanns, Tobias Kühn, Thomas Luu, David Dahmen, and Moritz Helias, Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 168301 – Published 19 April 2022, DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.168301
Localization in the Helmholtz Research Field Information:
Helmholtz Research Field Information, Program 2: Natural, Artificial and Cognitive Information Processing, Topic 3: Neuromorphic Computing and Network Dynamicsg
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Moritz Helias
Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (INM)
Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Phone: +49 2461 61-9467
E-Mail: m.helias@fz-juelich.de
